REVAMPED AND EDITED! Part of the Great Revamping wave of 2019!
I'm sorry, again, for your loss. It was a really nice service too, I thought. Your cousin would have made a really great king." Kate said to Eowyn, pulling her arms tightly across her chest to suppress her own shivering.
"Yes, thank you." Eowyn replied, giving Kate a thin-lipped smile as she hiked up the path back to the great hall.
The woman seemed impervious to the freezing wind that whipped through the hills as she glided effortlessly up the path, her long strides taking her miles ahead of Kate, who had to take two or three steps to keep up with Eowyn's one.
"Is it always so cold here?" Kate asked lightly, shivering a bit as she did so. As soon as she stepped outside in the thick dress, as warm as it was, Kate regretted not wearing the elven cloak.
"More or less, though in the summer it is obviously warmer. There is always the wind though. I'm sorry you are not warm enough, I will see what other clothes can be spared."
"Oh, no, no I wasn't complaining, at all. You don't need to do that. I was just making conversation, I've never been to Rohan. It's nice."
"We are doing our best to rebuild. We were not always as you see us now…we were once much more than nice." Eowyn said solemnly, making Kate cringe. Jeez, she really struck a nerve there, didn't she?
Why was it so difficult to make conversation with Eowyn? It wasn't that the lady was unkind but she definitely wasn't as friendly as Kate would have expected. Well what did you think Kate? She wouldn't have time to sit and braid your hair. It takes time to build friendships.
"Well, that makes sense, your king was…sick. But these people are strong, and it's a great place, Rohan. Better than great even!"
"Yes. Thank you." Eowyn replied coolly. "If you will excuse me, I must hurry to ensure that dinner has been prepared for you and our other guests."
"Oh, yeah, sure. Would you like any help?"
"No, thank you. I'm sure we will see each other at dinner this evening." And with a curt nod Eowyn hurried up the hill leaving Kate alone to pick her own way up.
"Yea…we're going to be great friends. I can tell." She remarked to no one in particular, huffing as she walked on. To be fair…she did just leave her cousins funeral. More than likely has nothing to do with you. Not everything is about you, Kate. " I…oh, ok, I need a break." Kate grunted, moving to lean against the rough wooden gate that marked the entrance of Rohan.
Just a quick breather. She told herself, and she leaned against the wood, ignoring the rough grain digging into her, despite the thick fabric of the dress. Perhaps, maybe, possibly she had over exerted herself today, just by the tiniest bit. An argument could be made for that, Kate reasoned.
She needed to sleep, was all, and maybe some food.
"Coffee. I could really use coffee. Big, steamy cup o' coffee. With an extra shot of expresso, bit of half and half…but just a bit…don't want to overdo it."
"You certainly have over done it." Aragorn spoke from behind her, making Kate jerk in surprise. "Perhaps we can find some of this coffee for you?"
"Well, that is a really lovely suggestion, Aragorn, but I don't believe you all have it here. It's just a caffeinated drink, it gives you energy, typically drank in the morning. I drank several cups actually…I miss it. I loved it. Oh, don't listen to me! I'm just moaning and taking a bit of a break. I'll be up in a second."
Aragorn crossed his arms, wholly unconvinced.
"Here, walk with me." He said, giving her his arm. He knew how tired she was, how little sleep she had actually gotten since they had found her. Anytime he felt Kate might need a break, he'd suddenly need to dig something out of his shoe, or stop to admire a horse, or be so awed by the landscape that he just had to stop and admire it.
Finally, inside the hall, Aragorn helped the winded Kate over to the giant pot over the fire where dinner was being served. Kate's stomach grumbled loudly as a large bowl of soup was handed to her, and the smell of the warm bread with butter was enough to send her over the edge!
Not waiting until they were seated, she couldn't help but take a bite of the bread, groaning delightedly as did. It was the best hunk of bread she had ever had in her life.
She heard Legolas laughing as she made her way over to the fellowship, amused by her delight.
"Oh…hi." She muttered, mouth still full of bread and cheeks warming despite the chill.
"Hello." He replied. Kate chewed slowly, trying to think of what to say as she stood in front of the elf she had very brazenly kissed not even two hours ago, holding a hot bowel of soup. Not exactly how she wished to present herself.
"Hi." She said again. She could be quite clever when she wanted to be. "The bread is really good. You should try some, when you get a chance. Soup is good too. Well, I haven't actually eaten any yet so I don't know, but it smells good. Oh, no, wait…there's some meat in there I think. Yeah, definitely meat. So, probably not the stew then, but the bread. Definitely try the bread. It's good…really good… bread." Idiot. Bread, Kate? That's what you would say to him?
"Well now I must try some." Legolas said amusingly, leaning against a pillar casually, arms crossed as he regarded her.
"Well, you should. It's good."
"So, I have heard."
"Something you find funny?" Kate asked, setting her bread back in the bowl of soup so she could put her hand on hip. Well, she supposed, it was a good thing one of them, at least, could act normally, because it definitely wasn't going to be her.
"Not at all. Please, sit. Do not let me distract you from your meal. I hear the bread is particularly good." Kate snorted out a laugh, rolling her eyes as she moved past him to the table. Kate felt his fingers brush against hers, so lightly she could have imagined it. She returned his smile, wondering if he could hear how loudly her heart was beating in her chest. She relaxed slightly when she saw his eyes mirroring that same shyness, vulnerability and excitement that reflected in her own. "Kate…it is my hope…I would not want you to feel…uncomfortable now. Should we not…talk?"
"Yea ok…you have more questions about wound care?" Kate joked. Legolas laughed, shyly looking away.
"Yes, something like that." Legolas looked back up to her, meeting her gaze. "Is that not what people do after…? I do not know your customs for such a thing. Oh… I am not sure I am making myself clear."
"No, I understand," Kate laughed softly, switching the bowl to her other hand. "I'm not really sure what happens next."
"Nor am I." He breathed. In truth, he hadn't planned to kiss her at all. He wasn't even sure he wanted to make his feelings for her known as new to him as they were! Even if he did want to he would have preferred to talk to Aragorn first! Out of respect, of course. Or at the very least wait until this war was over. Wait for a time of peace.
But, as time proved again and again there would always be another war…and their time together would be so short anyway. 'She is mortal…you forget yourself'. He could hear his father say. He hadn't forgotten…he simply did not care.
"Well…maybe we just…see where it goes?" Kate suggested. "We don't have to decide anything right now."
"I have decided, Kate, but I would not hold you to the same choice. I would never ask more of you than you were willing to give."
They were in a crowded hall, people jostling about, drinking to Theodred's memory…but all Kate could really notice was Legolas. Everything else was just white noise now, and probably would continue to be. But this was no small thing he was saying, she realized, was this just how elves were? They were all or nothing?
She had never been that way before, all in, despite her curious nature…could she be now, for him? She decided that the answer was yes, she absolutely could. You can't possibly know all that from one kiss, Kate! The more rational side of her chided.
"So…we'll just…see. We'll see. Take it a step at a time."
"We will." He said smiling down at her. Kate nodded and turned to shuffle to the table where Gimli and Aragorn sat, eating their meals and drinking their ale. She could feel her face warming, and it wasn't from the fire.
"The bread's really good, you should try the bread." Nice, Kate!? "We'll see. We'll just see" Shakespeare would be so proud.
"Stupid." She muttered to herself, a little more loudly then she realized.
Aragorn stared at Kate with an unenthusiastic expression, pulling his pipe out of his mouth so that she might get the full force of the meaning in his expression.
"Have you tried the bread?" Kate asked brightly, grabbing her soup soaked roll and taking another bite. "Oh, man! That…that is great. This is the best meal I have ever had in my life."
"Glad you are enjoying yourself." Aragorn said, giving her a side eyed glance.
"Ale. I need ale. Where did you get the ale Gimli?"
"Here lass." Gimli replied, pushing over another large mug of ale. "That's my second one. I'll grab another one."
Dwarf is getting out of dodge. Smart. Very smart
"Kate."
"Aragorn." The clenched and unclenched his jaw, and took another drag from his pipe before speaking.
Aragorn gave her another look, but it was without judgement. He seemed…apologetic, almost sad.
It was just a kiss, right? People kiss all the time, it's no big deal. She thought, but deep down she knew she was lying to herself.
It wasn't just a kiss, not for her and Legolas. It wasn't so simple for them.
"I am here, should you have questions, or need to talk." Aragorn said quietly, turning to his niece. God, he knows! How could he possibly know already? Legolas told him I bet. Bromance rules probably…thou shalt not kiss thy bro's hot niece. Aragorn dragged his thumb over the dark circles under Kate's eyes, sadly looking at the bruises smattered across her face. "You have so much of your mother in you, her same tenacity and spirit…but there is a hardness to you now…one you should not have, not now. If it were up to me I would not have had you see the things you have already seen and endured what you have. I would have had you stay in Rivendell or Lothlorien…safe…happy. Still, it is not my choice to make. I want only for your happiness, Kate. You are my blood; how could I not want happiness for you?"
"I know." Kate whispered, her voice cracking as she leaned up to kiss his cheek. He was a good man, her uncle. "Love you."
Aragorn nodded, squeezing her hand affectionately before turning his attention back to his pipe. Kate could barely remember what it was like to have a father, the relationship with her own father only carried on by two-hundred-year-old letters and memories tainted and warped by time. Yet, she imagined having a father might feel something like this.
"To Theodred." Gimli announced as he returned, slamming his mug on the table. "A tragedy to lose a life so young."
"To Theodred." They uttered in agreement, Kate following Gimli's lead and taking a drink of the ale. It was not good, but who was she to complain.
"It was an honorable burial." Aragorn commented, pushing his plate away.
"Did Boromir have a funeral?" She asked, missing the look Gimli and Aragorn exchanged amongst themselves. "I mean, I know you probably didn't have time to do the whole thing but. Just a memorial of sorts would have been nice, I think, to honor him. He was sorry for it, for Frodo, you know." Aragorn shifted on the bench, chewing on the end of his pipe.
"I know, he was. We… said our goodbyes." He said finally. With a sigh, her turned to the woman, who was eagerly spooning up the last bits of stew.
"I need another ale." Gimli muttered, suddenly pushing himself up from the table.
"Yours is still half full!" Kate shouted after him, shaking her head as she turned back to Aragorn.
Suddenly the doors flew open and in burst Gandalf, carrying a small boy, King Theoden and a small girl trailing after him anxiously. Kate slapped her hands together, hastily brushing off any crumbs and she slid off the bench, and quickly made her way to the little boy.
"What happened?" Kate asked, feeling for a pulse.
"Éothain! Is he dead?" The little girl asked worriedly, her lower lip trembling as she came to stand by Kate.
"No, he's not dead. Éothain is his name? Ok, can you tell me what happened?"
"He fell off the horse! It was too big for him, I knew! I told momma!" The girl whimpered. The hall was a flurry of activity now as Théoden called for Hama and Gamling, his face reddened by anger. Kate looked to Gandalf, exasperatedly.
What happened?!
"Their village was attacked. The girl will say no more." Gandalf explained as Kate tried her best to get a reaction out of the boy. He was breathing, color looked good, not bleeding. Maybe a concussion then? With her knuckles, Kate rubbed the boy's sternum, giving a satisfied nod when the boy groaned, coming back to his senses.
Kate quickly assessed the boy for signs of a concussion while Eowyn ordered blankets and more hot soup and water for the children.
"He'll be fine, I think he was just tired. We'll keep an eye on him, but I don't think he'll have a concussion." Kate explained to Gandalf. "Just get some food and some rest, Éothain. You did well, you made it."
The boy nodded, mutely hugging his sister who threw her arms around him excitedly. Eowyn took the children to a nearby table, draping them in warm blankets and plying them with food as she listened to the story from Freda, the younger girl.
Éothain, Kate noticed, said nothing as he ate and Kate wondered if that was normal for him or a cause for concern.
"They had no warning." Eowyn said finally. "They were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree."
With subdued anger, Eowyn gently placed the fallen blanket over Freda's shoulders, who asked once again where her mother was. Kate looked to the boy with a frown, his eyes meeting hers and shocking her by how much older he seemed. The boy knew his mother was dead, realistically she was…but he wouldn't tell his sister that.
Kate looked away, unable to hold his haunted gaze, and moved to sit by Aragorn with a sigh.
"This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head-on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight." Gandalf urged a stone-faced Théoden. Kate couldn't help but feel sorry for him, though. She knew on some level the king had to be feeling guilt and shame for not being able to protect his people the way he should have.
"You have two thousand good men riding North as we speak." Aragorn suggested. "Eomer is loyal to you, his men will return and fight for their king."
"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now." Théoden countered, angrily standing up from his throne and stalking through the hall. "Eomer cannot help us… I know what it is you want of me, but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
Aragorn spoke up, taking his Pipe from his mouth.
"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not." The hall fell silent, as heads turned to gawk at the man bold enough to speak to a king in such a way.
Danger, Will Robinson, Danger. Kate thought, exchanging a cringe with Gimli who just shrugged and continued eating. Kate broke off another roll.
Théoden turned to face Aragorn, walking slowly, his voice unsettlingly calm.
"When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." Kate was thankful her mouth was full and chewed slowly, forcing herself to not respond.
She glanced again at Gimli who only took a large swig of ale and burped, a slight shake of the head reminded Kate not to say anything, even though she knew she was turning red from the effort. Well you wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for us! She wanted to scream, knowing she had little to nothing to do with his current well-being and that it would have been a very foolish thing to say.
Still, it made her feel better to mentally shout it.
"Then what is the King's decision?" Gandalf asked impatiently. Theoden turned to Hama.
"We make for Helm's Deep. Inform the people and make sure they are ready to leave."
"When my lord?"
"Now, as soon as they are able. I cannot protect them here. The longer they stay the longer they risk death."
"Now?" Kate mouthed, turned to Gandalf whose face had turned a thunderous grey. With a whirl of robes Gandalf stormed out of the hall, followed by Aragorn and then Legolas. Gimli and Kate look at each other, gulped down the last of their ale and followed after them.
"Helm's Deep. They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight! Who will defend them if not their king?" She heard Gimli grumble. She walked quickly as she could, following them as they made their way to the stables.
"He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in them in the past." Kate gave Aragorn a disbelieving look, trying to match his strides.
"Is that really the best thing for them? You saw all those people, most are too injured to even walk!" Kate asked, stress making her voice rise.
"It is their only defensible position."
"You really think everyone will make it to Helm's Deep without incident? Without some lives lost? And what if we need to escape once we get there? How do we get the people out?"
"There is no way out of that ravine. Theoden is walking into a trap." Gandalf replied walking on towards Shadowfax, as Aragorn and Kate followed dutifully behind. "He thinks he is leading them to safety, what he will get is a massacre. Theoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."
"They will hold." Aragorn answered confidently. Kate bit her lip, she wished she felt as confident as he sounded.
"The Grey Pilgrim, that's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of Men I've walked this Earth and now I have no time." The wizard jerked his head suddenly, as if reminded of something and spun quickly to Kate.
"W-what?"
"Listen to me very carefully now, Kate. You know it is Saruman's aim to use your gifts, to what purpose I can only assume to know, but he is not alone. There are others who wish for the same, to stretch and twist your abilities to their will. You cannot allow this to happen."
"Others? What others? Of course not. Gandalf, I told you how it works, there is no stretching or twisting possible, I'm not Dr. Strange, I can't just magic my way through time. It doesn't work that way. There are limits and specifics and besides, I haven't told anyone! I mean…outside of the fellowship." She confessed, risking a glance to Legolas who stood with Gimli at the end of the stables.
"I would have you believe that, if it were possible, Kate." He said looking down at her the same way he often looked at Frodo, an odd mix of pity and fear. "However, we cannot allow for such naiveté any longer. Heed what I have said! Do not entertain such thoughts and should someone suggest such a thing, even in your darkest hour, you cannot allow your power to be exploited."
"I don't have powers, Gandalf. It's not like that-" Kate started to argue, but clamped her mouth shut. She didn't want to argue. "Sure, yea. Will do…just…will you come back? I mean…you've only just come back to us. Do you…really have to leave?"
"Yes, I am afraid I do. With luck, my search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east."
"Go." Aragorn whispered and with that Gandalf charged forward, Shadowfax carrying him out of the stables and away from Rohan at a dizzying speed…taking with him any sense of safety and hope Kate felt. Kate looked to the faces of the fellowship…the last few still here, seemingly growing smaller every day. What would they do now?
"Like I said, if you can't remember how to properly dress the wound come find me, I'll show you again. I'd rather you continue to ask me then to risk another infection, so don't think you're being a bother. Remember he must be turned every few hours, keep that pillow under him, yes just like that, well done!" Kate praised the young boy, no older than twelve she'd be willing to bet, as he turned his ailing father on his side. She handed the boy a small bag of herbs. "Just a pinch of this, steeped in a tea twice a day, it should help ward off any further infection. Once we arrive in Helm's Deep I'll take another look at him."
"Thank you, my lady, but I cannot accept such a thing." The boy said, voice deepening with pride. Kate scoffed.
"Well, of course you can. Don't be silly. I'm giving it to you for free, your father needs it. Here take it."
"I'll thank you again, my lady, but I cannot accept what I cannot pay for. I'll mind your orders about the cleaning and the turning, but I cannot accept the medicine." The boy insisted, picking up the handles of the makeshift wagon he was carrying his father on. Kate bit the inside of her cheek.
"Well then pay me in trade? Will that work?"
"I have nothing to trade with." The boy shrugged, his face set in determination. His gaunt cheeks told Kate that he was likely telling the truth. "I am an apprentice, I am not yet payed for my craft."
"Well what do you do? I really wish you would just take it, you don't need to pay me." Kate insisted.
"I am learning how to be a blacksmith. It is a good trade, my father says, hard work but I won't be wanting for a job."
"Well, yes he's right, it would be a good job." Kate sighed, setting the bag of herbs back on top of her pack. She had known these people were proud, but they truly boggled the mind with their stubbornness.
It was the same story with every person she had treated so far, they all tried to give her bags of grain, potatoes, a hair comb, candlesticks, wool socks, any and everything they were willing to trade. She had tried to argue, to insist she didn't need it but Eowyn informed her that doing so was more of an insult. They would not accept charity they did not feel they needed and to refuse trade for her services would imply that Kate thought they did need charity. They would find a way to repay a service or that would not seek it out and if Kate truly wanted to help the people she would need to accept this.
She was still working on that part, it seemed so simple to Kate, that they should just accept medicine or bandages. But, if she were being honest, she was sure she would have felt the same way, and she realized that it did seem an awful lot like charity. She didn't want these people to think she was better than them by insulting them.
Kate raked her mind, trying to come up with anything she could trade. With an excited gasp, she begged grabbed an old sword from beside her pack.
"Blacksmith? Could you sharpen this then? It's my sword." Kate asked handing it to the boy.
He took it, pulling it out of the sheath and inspecting it, clearly unimpressed.
"This is a cruddy sword. Hope no one mislead you on the price, my lady." The boy scoffed, his eyes peering down the angle of the blade, noting every imperfection. "Whoever made this had to be blind drunk."
"Well, it was the best I could do under the circumstances. Beggars can't be choosers." Kate defended, her hands on her hips. In truth, she knew it wasn't a good sword for her; it was far too big, the blade was notched and imbalanced, and the pommel didn't fit her hand as well as she'd like. She missed her old sword, she hadn't known what a treasure she had in it! Lord Elrond really had given her such a gift and she hated herself for letting it be lost when she was taken. "So, what do you think? Can you sharpen it? It's pretty dull."
"Dull? It won't even slice bread." The boy laughed, but a harsh reprimand from his ailing father silenced him. "Begging your pardon my lady. Aye, I can do much more than sharpen this. Bevel the blade better. Straighten out this part, you see here, how it is bent? It should not be so, it should stay level in your hand." The boy showed her.
"Oy, yeah, that's pretty bad, jeez. But don't stress yourself out over it, I just need it to do the job, you know? Nothing fancy. That would work well for a trade though, yes? You sharpen the blade and I'll give you the medicine?" She could see the boys mind spinning, his fingers tracing the edges and his eyes glinted with possibilities the sword held.
"Aye, it will do for the medicine, but for your time and care, if you would not object, I would happily make this of better use to you. It could be a fine sword." He said, sheathing it and meeting her eyes determinedly.
Kate wanted to insist that it wasn't necessary, but the stern set of his jaw and decided look in his eyes silenced her. She knew how hard it could be to accept charity. If working for the care made the boy feel better, helped him feel like he was really providing for his father than who was she to hamper that?
"That could work. You'll do a good job of course? No shoddy work, right?" Kate teased, and the boy rolled his eyes.
"I do not do shoddy work, my lady! Besides anything is better than what you have now."
"Bergil!" His father coughed, another reprimand.
"Oh, ha ha!" Kate said sarcastically, handing him the bag. "One pinch, twice a day. Turn him every two hours. Come find me if you notice red streaks coming from the wound or if it begins to smell again."
"Thank you, my lady, I will." The boy said, growing quite serious again. For one so young it made Kate sad to see how quickly he had to handle adult problems, and things he shouldn't have to worry over.
"In the future, however, if you wouldn't mind telling the others that if they are unable to come up with a trade, that they shouldn't hesitate to find me. We can always work something out later on, after their loved ones are cared for. Not charity…just like…a loan. Would you?"
"Aye, I will, thank you, my lady." He added, pulling the cart along with his father back to where they camped that night. She peered out into the night, her eyes scanning the sleeping refugees but no one seemed to be waiting for her care.
Done. Kate thought, turning with a tired sigh to the bowel of water she was using to wash her hands and mulling over ways to encourage the people to get the care they needed without worrying over payment.
Slowly she packed up her kit, cleaning the scalpel and the pair of pliers she had used to pull out a rotted tooth earlier; That had been a real trial and error experience to say the least! Still the woman was thankful, and in return offered Kate a small wooden bowel, the best she had.
It had started with the fainting of one of the pregnant women Kate had been eyeing. Having passed out from hunger, Kate did her best to give her food, water and even did her best to check on the unborn child. Then a man who had been bitten by a horse several days ago asked if Kate wouldn't mind taking a look at his wound, as it hadn't healed like he thought it should. Then the woman with the rotted tooth came, and a mother with a child who hadn't stopped vomiting for the past two days, and a soldier who'd gotten kicked in the head by a horse and before Kate knew it a line a formed and she was helping one after the other, dutifully filling in as the resident healer.
She didn't mind of course, especially after she had learned they had no healer at all! That was a hard pill to swallow as one women explained that Grima had sent them all away.
The deceptive little worm claimed that if no healer could heal their beloved King than they were not worthy of the title, and he banished one after the other. Any healer who tried and failed to heal King Théoden was banished, never to return on pain of death.
Kate tried hard to bite back her outrage when she had heard the tale, knowing that of course, there was nothing any healer could do for King Théoden! Grima had done his utmost to ensure that Rohan and all its people would crumble and fall. It disgusted her! How many people had died needlessly because of his actions? Perhaps if they had had healers the kings own son, Theodred would be here today? But of course, Kate was sure, that was just another part of the plan to cripple the kings line and cause further injury to Rohan.
Truly, Kate was happy to work again. It was a good distraction to worry about other's wounds instead of having everyone worry over her own injuries, which seemed very minor in comparison.
Of course, this new role brought on its own new set of worries. She hardly had the supplies to care for the people who lived in Edoras and she learned that there would be others arriving to Helm's Deep, from neighboring Villages to seek refuge, that would also need care.
She wasn't sure, but she imagined Helm's Deep didn't have its own healing garden like Lothlorien had, and then there was the matter of clean water, sterile bandaging, medicine! And what if war broke out or they were attacked on the way? Kate had no idea how to manage the care of that many people, and it would be nearly impossible to help everyone by herself, let alone during a war.
What could she do? How could she possible help that many people. She scrubbed her hands again, the stress she was feeling making her scrub her hands nearly raw. No, she would need to equip others, find those willing to learn and instruct them as best she could. Who knew how long they would stay in Rohan, the people needed a healer if and when they left! But she hardly knew enough to train someone for everyone possible scenario, how could she train others. With a grunt she dried her hands, pondering the possibilities of teaching medicine in what was a very medieval time.
How would I even begin to explain germs, hmm? I don't imagine that will go over well and not I'm keen on being stoned! What are we going to do?
"Sorry to bother you, I didn't know you had finished for the day. I'll just come back another time." A voice said, drawing Kate out of her thoughts.
Kate blinked, tiredly taking in the man standing before her. For a moment, she thought he was an elf, she would have sworn it. He had the same air about him that elves did, and he was just as tall and lean, with the same unnatural beauty all elves possessed. But upon further inspection, Kate knew he couldn't be. His skin was paler, making the bags under his eyes more pronounced and, his black hair disheveled and obviously his ears were not pointed. There was something about him though, something in the way the air crackled around him that gave her pause. She shook her head, pushing away the warning in her gut. Kate gave a tired smile, beckoning him forward and internally chided herself. She couldn't dismiss someone just because she felt they were a little off.
"No, don't be silly. Come, I'll take a look. I was just resting a bit." The man flashed her a relieved grin.
"Thank you, that is so very kind of you. It really does hurt an awful lot. Too kind of you." He said. Kate waved it off, gathering some bandaging and supplies.
"Happy to help! What happened here?" She asked pointing to the blood-soaked bandage wrapped carelessly on his arm.
"A horse bit me. I'm afraid I don't have the same talent for them as these good people." He said, reluctantly, a sheepish smile on his face. Kate snorted in agreement, as she assessed the bite, it wasn't deep, not nearly as bad as those she'd seen earlier.
"Something we have in common then." Kate said teasingly. "I'm not really a fan of horses myself."
"Well, I'm told horses are an excellent judge of character."
"Are they? What does that say about you then?" Kate teased, carefully cleaning the wound with what was left of the alcohol. "Should I be worried ?" They laughed together, and Kate started to relax for a moment, but then the laughter died and the man stared at her, grey eyes holding none of their previous mirth.
"Yes. You should be worried, Kate." He said, his voice deepening. Kate swallowed hard, the hairs on her neck standing up, and then just as quickly the man laughed. "Oh, look at you!" Kate nodded, letting out her breath finally and gave a small, nervous laugh in return.
"You must be quite the entertainer in your village." Kate said wryly, frowning to herself as she struggled to stem the bleeding.
"Oh, a few odd tricks here and there." He said, smiling through clenched teeth. "But I'm not from Rohan."
"No? Where from then?"
"Oh, I'm from…very far away." Kate paused. Something about the way he said those exact words put her on edge, but she brushed it off.
"Oh… isn't that nice." Kate responded, turning her eyes back to her task, trying her best to keep her voice even. You're being silly, Kate. "How far exactly, would you say?" The man laughed, a low dangerous sound.
"Well, not farther than you, I'd imagine."
"It's quite possible."
"Where was it you said you were from, Lady Kate."
"I didn't."
"Well, won't you tell me? It would give me something to focus on other than this ghastly bite." He asked innocently. Lie! Obviously lie, Kate.
"Rivendell." She said far too quickly. He knew it was a lie, Kate could tell by the excited glint in his eyes. Averting her eyes, she grabbed another cloth to hold over the bite. It would not stop bleeding, which was odd to Kate because it was not so very deep, and should have stopped by now.
"Rivendell, you say? How curious!"
"Do you have clotting issues? Any difficulty with bleeding in the past?" Kate asked, changing the subject.
"No, but thank goodness you're here now. Whatever would I do?" He said, acid dripping from his voice. Kate's lips thinned as she applied more pressure. "I had heard there was a healer that had come and decided your talents were serve far better than my own. I guess it's true what they say, 'The hands of a healer are the hands of a King.'"
"Probably not. I'm not a King, obviously, and I wouldn't call it a talent, more like a learned skill."
"No, you're not…but your uncle is, am I right? The future King of Gondor." He asked, the last line dripping off his lips like honey. "No…I wouldn't call your healing a talent. Not when you have some many others." Kate paused, betraying herself with her hesitation.
He knows.
"Well, now that you mention it, I have been told I have a lovely singing voice." She quipped, doing her best to keep her composure as the man laughed, though it didn't hold any warmth in it.
"Oh, I don't doubt it. You are a woman of many surprises."
"You know…I'm sorry, but I feel like you have me confused for someone else. I'm just a healer." Kate added finally steaming off the blood flow, cleaning it now like she wanted to. The man smiled, touching her hand with his good arm.
"But you're not just a healer, are you Kate? Just as you are not from Rivendell."
"I've no idea what you're talking about." Kate could feel her anger rising now, but the more flustered and angry she got the more delighted he seemed.
"Don't bother. You're a terrible liar." He said with a roll of his eyes. "Quite the handicap in your trade, I imagine."
"Look, I don't know who you are but you clearly have me confused with someone else so if, you please, I'll finish cleaning this and I think we're done here." Kate said, her voice sounding far stronger than she felt.
"Oh, we are far from done here, Kate," He laughed again, further incensing Kate. His eyes flashed brightly as he leaned forward, bending low so that only she could hear him. "You see, it's been some time since one of your kind made their home here. It's causing quite a lot of trouble for me."
"Must be terribly inconvenient."
"It is, isn't it?" He replied in agreement, passionately smacking his leg with his other hand and making Kate jump. His injured hand reached out, grabbing onto hers in a vicelike grip his fingers resting over her pulse point in her wrist, humming along with the rapid thrum of her heartbeat. "You see, my initial plan was just to kill you. It would have been a lot easier, less time consuming, as you can imagine. However, Vairë has grown quite fond of you, for whatever reason. I wouldn't risk the ire of Mandos if I killed his beloved wife's little pet Traveler. Can you imagine the scandal? We aren't on the best of terms, Mandos and I. So, quite the predicament I am in, you see?"
"I can't imagine how I've caused you any trouble." Kate said, her voice wavering. "This is the first time I've met you."
"Well you will. Or you did…or is it that you do? Honestly, I can't imagine how you keep track of all of this in your head, this time traveling, isn't it maddening?" His tone was light, just as polite as it was when he first dropped by…but his words made Kate's stomach twist and her skin crawl. Every fiber of her being was screaming at her to run away from him as fast as she possibly could. He let her hand go just then, as if testing to see if she'd run. She grabbed the pile of bandages, and started wrapping. He smiled knowingly, allowing her to finish her task. "But you are rather helpful, aren't you?"
"I'm a healer, it's my job." She said, but he ignored her, lost in his own musings.
"I could use someone like you. There are many things I'd like…adjusted, so to speak. If Saruman had plans to use you, why can't I?"
Kate angrily knotted the bandage, and glared hard at the man, anger coursing through her...
"You go back and tell Saruman, that I will never help him. He should stop sending orcs to take me and messengers to bother me. It's a waste of my time and his." Kate spat. The man rolled his eyes dramatically.
"I don't work for Saruman or Sauron. No, let them have their fun. But now, you see, you've shown your hand. If there was any doubt as to who were, and there wasn't, you've all but ruined that now. The game isn't nearly as fun once you've shown your hand."
"Who are you? This isn't a game, what is wrong with you? I'll tell you the same thing, I'm not afraid of you and I certainly won't help you with whatever you think you need." Kate laughed mirthlessly. "You think I'm scared of you? I've seen real monsters, I still have the scars. You are nothing!"
The man's eyes grey eyes darkened, leaning forward to grab her hand. His cold fingers wrapped around her small hands holding her there.
"I assure you, you have never seen a monster like me." He warned, his voice low and threatening, making her lip tremble from fear, despite her best efforts.
"I'll scream."
"Oh, please do. They won't hear you."
"I'm not afraid of you. I-" Kate started but the man cut her off, running his fingers over her lips to silence her.
"Shh…shh. I know you believe that, Kate. Oh dear, you really do believe it… Well, it's decided then. You'll help me, in exchange for your life. Vairë won't be nearly as fond of you if you're anything less than a dutiful Traveler and I'll have solved both of my problems at once."
"What makes you think I care about my life?" Kate retorted. He rolled his eyes once more.
"You really are a vexing thing, aren't you? Fine. In exchange for the lives of Aragorn, and Legolas and anyone else you're even mildly attached to." He threated, then suddenly sat up and waved his hand dismissively. "I don't really need to bargain for your life, do I? Just those you care about. Now, back to business. If you're going to utilize your abilities properly you'll need to take this ring off, it only dampens your intuitions when you're so green as you are, though it does have its uses I suppose. But, I the beginning, you'll need all of your senses to feel that energy. Understand? Do you find it helps with the pain?"
"Y-yes."
"Hmm…Well, you will adjust. The next time I see you I expect this to be off your finger. You should be more familiar with the limits of your talents by then. I'll be checking on your progress. You'll need to learn quite a lot if you're going to be any help at all to me."
"What are you even talking about. I'm not helping you and I'm certainly not going to mess around with that stuff! I am not doing that! Gandalf t-"
"Oh, don't be a child, Kate. You and I both know you'll not be able to help yourself. You're far too curious for that." The man exhaled, calming himself and he looked back up to her, his face softening as he ran a thumb across the yellowed bruise on her jaw. "Would it comfort you to know that in the beginning you were very brave? Every time you resisted longer than the next. It was admirable. Of course, in the end…well…you would have done anything to see your sweet prince again."
This is a dream. This can't be real, what is he talking about?!
"Get. Away. From. Me." Kate seethed, panic clawing at her throat. She uselessly scanned the crowd, hoping to flag down anyone who could help her but they all seemed oblivious, like she wasn't even there. They really didn't know. "I don't want to see you again. I will kill you if I see you again. Do you understand?"
"Well, we can't always get what we want now can we? Practice, Kate." He chided lightly, getting up to leave, delighted and unbothered by the havoc he had just brought down into her world. "Oh…and do try to get some sleep. You look exhausted."
The next day passed uneventfully with no sign of the man. But it would be a lie to say that every sable haired man that walked up to her didn't spook her just a little.
She wished desperately that Gandalf were here, he would have the advice Kate needed, or at least some insight in to what the hell he was even talking about. Gandalf would have made her feel safe…would have told her to suck it up and fight! But it would do no good to sit here and wish for what wasn't there.
The event was so odd, so misplaced that Kate half wondered if it had even happened at all. He clearly didn't fit in this world, and he certainly didn't seem like he came from Earth either.
Kate twisted the ring around her finger absentmindedly as she sat atop the horse Aragorn had let her ride. Dutifully he held tight to the reins, promising that the horse would not run off with her as it did Gimli.
You can't tell him. You certainly can't tell Legolas. Just wait for Gandalf, Kate. Just wait. Gandalf will come.
Firmly she twisted the ring back onto her finger, ensuring it would stay there. One thing she knew without a doubt was that she absolutely was not taking off this ring. The days that separated the event made her forget the fear she felt in that moment, made her feel better. Braver.
Maybe it wasn't even what she thought it was? Maybe he was just insane? Maybe she was crazy. She hadn't really been sleeping…maybe this was a whole Fight Club thing?
Kate shook her head, scanning the crowd for Legolas. There he was, at the head of the group, watching out for any potential threat. She couldn't help but smile as she watched him standing sentient.
She missed him…they hadn't had much time to do more than wave to each other let alone talk, or anything else for that matter, but they would…duty first, then they would have time. Still, just to speak with him, to hear his laugh…it would have helped.
"Might I walk with you?" Eowyn asked, leading her horse alongside theirs.
"Oh, sure."
"Of course, my lady." Aragorn answered, jarred out of his own thoughts. He's been quite pensive lately, the more time he and Eowyn spoke. She was nice…and she made her uncle laugh, made him seem younger somehow. Kate wondered if for that, Aragorn seemed so bothered, did he feel guilty because of Arwen. Mental note, must speak to Aragorn about this.
"I wanted to say thank you." Eowyn started, turning to Kate. "You have been most helpful. The people are very grateful for your assistance. It has been a relief to me, to know that our people are being cared for." Kate smiled widely, she couldn't help herself.
"It no problem. I am happy to help. I even have some ideas, for the future. Maybe training so people to be healers so that when we leave you'll still have someone to care for you all."
"That would be a fine idea." Eowyn replied, smiling in return. "There are a few I know who would be suited for the task. Some women who have been helping in secret, though their knowledge is limited." So is mine. Kate thought wryly.
"Well, if you have some time, maybe we can introduce me to them? That way I can start pulling them aside to teach if they're interested, or setting up a formal time to meet."
"That would be fine. When will you be leaving?" Eowyn asked, her eyes darting to Aragorn, who was oblivious.
"Oh…" Kate exhaled and shrugged. "Up to Aragorn. Not anytime soon though, I'd imagine."
"Of course." Eowyn said. She looked like she might say something else, and Kate waited patiently, occupying herself by staring at Legolas. It really should be a crime to be so handsome, very distracting it could be. "I hope you would not mind me asking but how is it that you have come to follow these men? Do you always go where Lord Aragorn does?" Kate shrugged.
"Kind of. He is the only family I have now. He was kind enough to invite me to Rivendell and I've followed him ever since."
"I am sorry. I too lost my parents when I was young. No one knows such a loss apart from those who have felt it themselves." Eowyn sympathized. "You are lucky to have such a man in your life."
"Yes, I am." Kate commented, playfully kicking Aragorn in the arm.
"So, you too, must be one of the Dúnedain?"
"The Duna-what?" Kate asked, as Eowyn laughed good naturedly, clearly thinking Kate was being funny.
"Yes, as my sister's daughter she is also a descendent of Númenor."
"Then is she older than she appears as well?" Eowyn asked, lightly. Aragorn laughed.
"No. Not at all."
"Wait how old are you Aragorn?" Kate asked, still utterly clueless.
"Eighty-seven." he said with a sigh.
"Eighty-seven!"
"How is it that you do not know this?" Eowyn asked, the slightest bit of suspicion creeping into her voice.
"There is no way you're eighty-seven. Good grief, I should find you a multivitamin. Eighty-seven! Holy sh- Wow."
"We only just been reacquainted this year." Aragorn explained, rolling his eyes as Kate processed. "My sister…was lost to me. After her father and my sister passed she was raised by her father's sister, their family did not know."
"Oh." Eowyn nodded, not sounding totally convinced. "And you did not tell her?"
"Nope. He left out that little tidbit. Eighty-seven."
"The Dúnedain are blessed with long life, you truly did not know?"
"Nope. Uh, no, I was really young when my mother died, if she told me I wouldn't have remembered it."
"I see…I cannot imagine. Then you must wear that jewel to honor your lost sister?" Eowyn asked, pointing to the necklace Kate knew to be Arwen's. Kate suddenly became very interested in braiding the horse's mane.
"No, it was not my sister who gifted me this." Aragorn answered simply, making Kate's heart clench.
"Where is she? The woman who gave you that jewel?" Aragorn did not respond for a long time, so long that Kate cleared her throat awkwardly, wondering how she'd answer if he couldn't. "My lord?"
"She is sailing to the Undying Lands with all that is left of her kin." He answered finally, and Kate's heart sank, breaking for him. She saw how they were together, how happy he had been with Arwen. If they could love each other so deeply and still leave each other…what hope was there for her and Legolas.
"I- I am sorry. I did not mean to…forgive me." Eowyn stammered, staring at the ground.
"It is alright…I bade her go. I would have her with her people…not lost to this life." He answered, unusually despondent. Turning he gave a very pointed look to Kate. "These things are often no more than a dream."
"You don't know that." Kate insisted, forgetting for a moment that Eowyn was there. "She gave you that, that isn't a casual thing…I mean…she could still be there."
"Kate."
"Well no, aren't elves supposed to really mean it or whatever? You told me once yourself elves take this kind of thing very seriously so if Arwen said she would wait for you then she will. Right?"
"Do not seek for similarities, Kate. The situations are very different, do not pretend you do not know this."
"They aren't that different." Kate argued. Aragorn stopped, giving Kate a steely look. "I mean…yeah, it is a bit complicated. But this isn't about that, ok? I just don't want you to just assume she left, is all. I mean she did say she would stay, didn't she?"
"Perhaps I should excuse myself. I did promise to find Lord Gimli." Eowyn said, starting to excuse herself until Gamling and Hama rode past them suddenly. Kate could see Legolas standing rigidly on top of the hill, his head turning to and fro as he watched for things only he could see coming.
"What's going on?" Kate asked, an uneasiness shifting through the air now. Aragorn placed a calming hand on her knee.
"They are only scouting ahead." He said calmly, but he too stood straighter, waiting. A few tense moments passed and then suddenly Kate could see Legolas bounding up the hillside followed shortly after by fearful screams. "Stay here!" Aragorn shouted, running up the steep incline. More shouting could be heard and she recognized Legolas's voice though she had no idea what he was saying.
Just as quickly as he ran up, Aragorn was flying back down, hand on the hilt of his sword.
"What is it? What do you see?" Theoden asked urgently.
Oh God. Kate felt the blood from her face and she knew the answer before she even said it.
"Wargs! We're under attack! Get them out of here!"
Panic. People began screaming, running in every direction, crying, scrambling to grab their loved and get them to safety. Kate slid off Aragorn's horse, clumsily while Eowyn held the reigns of the horse.
Kate urged herself not to fall into a frenzy, as it would be so easy to do. Focus, don't let these people act like this! They need to keep going.
Aragorn was atop his horse faster than Kate had ever seen him and Kate forgetfully reached for a sword that wasn't there.
"Not this day, Kate. Go." He insisted. Kate threw up in arms, swearing to herself.
"Yeah, I know. I get it. I'll get 'em next time." She relented.
"Help Eowyn gather the people."
"Yeah, yeah I will. Just be safe, please? Don't do anything stupid, any of you." She begged, before hauling herself back to the panicked crowd. With one last look back, she laid her eyes on Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas, sending up a silent prayer for their safety and then she ran down the hill, best she could, pack strapped to her back.
"What can I do?" She shouted to Eowyn who was shouted directions and doing her best to steer a frenzied mob.
"Down there! Get the people at the end!" She shouted, struggling to be heard over the crying. "Make for the lower grounds. Stay together!"
Kate nodded, booking it to the end of the group who had yet to hear Eowyn's instructions. The people were screaming, panicking as most of them in the back were the injured, elderly or too young to keep up.
"Ok, Lady Eowyn says for the lower grounds! Don't panic just move! Stay together!" Kate shouted, running to shoulder an older woman who had already been struggling as it was. "We really need a shuttle system. Keep moving! Stay together, lower grounds! Yes, that's it! Stay together!"
Please be safe, please be safe…please. Please
A/N: Kate really does stick her foot in her mouth sometimes doesn't she? Well-meaning as she is, of course. Oy, well I wrote and rewrote this chapter so many times, I'm not sure why but I struggled a bit with this. Just wanted to get it right I guess, but I hope that you still enjoyed it! Any guesses on who that strange ass man was? Thank you again, as always to those who are still reading and to those who always leave a review, and who have followed and favorited this story. I appreciate them so much!